Philippines

Philippines: A Top Destination

With more than seven thousand islands comprising the Philippines, it’s an explorer’s and a traveler’s dream. You will not run out of things to do and places to see in a country where variety and happy chaos is the norm.

One stop is Palawan, just a couple of hours south west of Manila. This jewel is home to decadent island resorts that offer the best villas and luxurious accommodations. If you want to be in the middle of all the happenings here, you may want to stay in a posh vacation home located just a few steps away from the warm and clear water of Palawan’s beaches. Aside from these lavish homes, the white sand, and the warm sun, the best part of the island would be the dive sites teeming with sea life, corals, and fishes. The diving sites are protected to ensure that the beauty and the natural wildlife in the area is maintained and nurtured.

Another unique stop is San Benito, which is about three hours away from Manila if you are in the mood for a long drive. A retreat place called The Farm is ideal for individuals who want a hardcore spa week. The Farm is a detoxification center where rooms aren’t equipped with televisions or Wi-Fi. The place encourages a lifestyle of health and relaxation with its juice cleanses, body therapy, massages, body scrubs, and the like. It’s a welcome break if you’re stressed from work or travel. The lack of Internet and television allows you to meditate and reconnect with yourself in strangely fulfilling way.

The capital city of Philippines, which is Manila, is also a notable place, and you should take the time to savor the city before or after you go island-hopping. Manila has great luxury hotels and impeccable restaurants. The walled city of Intramuros can also be of interest if you can find Carlos Celdran, a famous guide who can show you the most culturally and historically interesting places in Manila.

Bohol is indeed an interesting place to visit as it is rich in historical sites and beautiful beaches. Visitors can spend days touring the city as they wouldn’t run out of things to do. However, what to bring and what to wear in Bohol is a major concern for most travelers. In an effort to help, we have narrowed down a list of things to bring and wear when visiting Bohol:

1. Humidity becomes a troublesome factor, especially when sightseeing and touring around the city. Make sure to wear light clothing made of natural fiber. Keep it simple by wearing shirts, pants or shorts and do away with any thick coats or long-sleeved wear.

Casual outfits in Bohol – Philippines

2. The climate in Bohol is pleasantly warm, which is why you can wear almost anything light and comfortable when visiting Bohol. …

The province of Bohol is located at the heart of the Philippines, which makes it highly accessible either by air, sea or land. Tourists come in and out of Bohol all the time and through different routes, which is why we narrowed down the most convenient ways for getting to Bohol.

By air

The fastest and easiest way to get to Bohol is by direct flight to Tagbilaran City from Manila or Cebu. There are presently three airline companies that service these routes: Philippine Airlines, Asian Spirit and the Laoag International Airlines. These airlines provide daily trips to and from Bohol but schedules may vary so it is best to check with the airline companies.

Getting to Bohol by Ferry

Certain airlines also offer routes to Bohol coming from other countries. This is a good option to avoid going through the hassles at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Book your flight to Cebu City as your entry point to the Philippines from your country of departure. From Cebu’s Mactan International Airport, take a connecting flight that heads directly to Tagbilaran City. Asian Spirit offers these kinds of flights daily. In the event that no connecting flight is available upon your arrival in Cebu City, consider the option of an overnight stay in Mactan or take a boat trip to Tagbilaran City. …

Once in Bohol, tourists will not have a hard time getting around the city as there are various ways to get around town. Here are some of the most convenient and recommended ways to getting around Bohol:

Taxi

Only a few taxi companies operate around Bohol. You can typically find one around shopping malls or you may need to call the cab company to fetch you. Taxis should switch on the meter once you start moving and bring you to any point within Tagbilaran City. The meter may double when going to places located outside the city proper, so be aware of it. Most cab drivers are friendly, especially when knowing that their passengers are tourists. Tipping is not required but highly encouraged.

Getting around Bohol by Tricycle

Tricycles

A tricycle in Bohol can hold up to 4 passengers and even a lot of luggage. These small motorbikes usually have little power and may require you to step out in some instances, particularly when going up steep hills. These are normally used for short trips around the city but some may be willing to bring you to other neighboring towns. …

Generally, the weather in Manila is hot, dry and humid. In a tropical country that is very near the equator, expect to be sweaty even when you are just standing still. This is why Western tourists are advised to always carry bottled water to cool off and rehydrate.

Tropical weather in Manila – Philippines

Manila, as the rest of the Philippine islands, experiences only two seasons: the wet and dry seasons. Locals joke that the two seasons in the country are the hot and very hot. And you may be sure it is hot in Manila. Its coldest months from November to January are only as cold as the warmest months in countries that experience winter. …

Manila is the busiest, richest and most developed city in the Philippines. Manila, the capital city, never sleeps and is never quiet… literally.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Manila – Philippines

Jeepneys and buses honk by the minute and music from bars, malls and jeepneys is always on maximum and infinite playback. While its streets are not the safest, cleanest, or most modern in Asia, the Manila experience is one-of-a-kind, primarily for the warmth of the people and variety of activities available. Manila is the place to go for entertainment, education, politics, sports, tourism, nature trips, shopping, or simply meeting new friends. Getting to Manila from anywhere in the country and outside is not a hard thing to figure out. …

Culture and festivals in Manila thrive to this day. Through the centuries, the Philippines took on many influences both from the East and the West, and as a result, the country became a melting pot of colorful and interesting cultures and festivals. The Spaniards made the most impact since they ruled Manila and the country for 300 years. They brought what is arguably the Filipino people’s most cherished piece of culture – the faith of Roman Catholicism. Majority of the culture and festivals in Manila are hinged on this national religion.

Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila – Philippines

The biggest and most anticipated street parade and religious procession in Manila is the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which happens yearly on January 9. The statue of a brown-skinned Christ carrying a cross is transported from Rizal Park to Quaipo church. The procession is painstakingly slow as millions of devotees flock to see, touch and kiss the image, which is believed to have miraculous powers. Days before January 9, the City of Manila anticipates the mass of religious devotees and prepares cordons, ambulances and security. Only in the years 2010 and 2011 were there no records of death due to stampede or massive crowding. There were, however, a number of injuries and theft. This religious festivity causes massive traffic in affected areas as well. …